You wouldn't think that is a question that someone would ask me at this point in my life. And it's not something I can boil down into one 1500 word sermon, or probably even a book. Although I would like to try that someday. As a professional clergy person it's only fair that I share with you my spiritual perspective before I ask you to share yours. So here goes.
As a child, I was clueless. Many, many hours playing under the pews as my parents were in this or that board meeting made me resent the building at times. However, I knew the people loved me like a little sister. I felt like I was closest to God at Silver Lake, our church's camp. When I was a young adult and turned away from that ministry for a time, it hurt and I felt spiritually alone. I "found" God again when my kids were little, because I wanted them to have a place to become formed as people of faith. God called me through the voice of a woman preacher looking for a substitute so she could take a well deserved vacation. But that will confuse many of you, and it's a story for another time.
One question that I am often asked is how do I connect with God. The answer, every time, is nearly the same. When I am writing or studying scripture or in direct conversation with someone I am ministry with, I connect with God. When I am paying attention to the people who are crossing my path, I know that God is present. Something moves in me and through me. Maybe that's compassion, or empathy or something else. I call it Spirit. And I feel transformed. Because of this I am quite certain that I will never be done speaking or teaching or caring for another in whatever way that I can because I really do believe that is God's call on my life. And I mess up ALL the time. We all do. That's the thing about being a broken vessel.
